Soulful Strut Read Online Free PDF

morning, Monette dressed
carefully in a navy blue skirt suit and pink blouse. She gazed at
herself in the full-length mirror and grimaced.
    “Damn, I look like a tight-assed
librarian.”
    “Out here in the world the tight-assed look
is in,” Candi teased before she left for work.
    “Gee, thanks for the inspiring send-off,”
Monette retorted and shook a fist at her.
    Despite being nervous about facing a crowd of
educated people who had never sat on the wrong side of prison bars,
Monette got through it. She was part of a panel discussion on women
in prison and the special problems they face upon release. Having
Sherrial at her side definitely helped. The daylong conference
wrapped up at four that afternoon. Monette did not relax until they
were in the car on their way back to the hallway house. When they
walked inside, Monette let out a long, slow breath. Trudy came down
the hall to the foyer as they entered.
    “How did it go?” Trudy asked.
    “Very good. Everyone was really impressed
with what Monette had to say.” Sherrial smiled at Monette.
    “I needed to hear that. 1 was scared that I
sounded stupid,” Monette said to the social worker in a rush of
gratitude.
    “Not at all. You were nervous after being on
national television? I saw that interview and you were great,”
Sherrial said.
    “Only a few people were in the studio, so
that was easy. Having an auditorium full of smart folks staring at
me was hard.” Monette gave a shudder. She hadn’t anticipated just
how hard it would be. All those accomplished women made her even
more aware of her lack of education and her past.
    “Social workers need to hear from people who
have lived the experience. You educated them,” Sherrial said with a
nod.
    “Me, huh? Wow. I have something to say beyond
being the hot story of the moment?” Monette liked the way that
sounded.
    “Yes. Sensationalism is one thing, but truly
making a difference is a real contribution,” Trudy added. She
started back toward her office, where the phone was ringing.
“Congratulations, Monette. You’ve made a good start.”
    “Making a contribution.” Monette thought
about her chance to have a radio show. She looked at her reflection
in the hall mirror. The conservative clothes did not seem so alien
after all.
    A tall man the color of milk chocolate walked
through the front door. He wore a light blue work shirt with the
sleeves rolled up. Monette saw his reflection over her shoulder in
the mirror. She stopped fussing with her hair. In the same instant
he noticed her. They gazed at each other for a few seconds before
Monette looked away. When she turned around, she saw that Sherrial
was smiling at him.
    “Hi, Jayson. You finished the oil change on
our van, I guess.” Sherrial took the sheet of paper he handed
her.
    “Sure did. Put some antifreeze in the
radiator. Cleaned it for you, too. No charge this time. Just spread
the word that I’m going to do detailing work.” Jayson darted
sideways glances at Monette while he talked.
    “I sure will.” Sherrial took the keys from
him and read the invoice.
    “Y’all got a new social worker. Hi.” Jayson
dipped his head to Monette in a gentlemanly greeting.
    “Monette Victor. I moved in a few days ago.
Nice to meet you.” Monette smiled when his dark eyes widened in
surprise. She liked being mistaken for regular people, especially
by a fine man.
    “I’m sorry. Forgot my manners,” Sherrial
said, and then looked at the second page of the invoice. “This is
Jayson Odum. He owns Quality Car Care Centers.”
    “I’d shake hands with you, Ms. Victor, but
I’ve been working on cars since six this morning. I’d hate to ruin
that pretty outfit you’re wearing.” Jayson wore a shy smile.
    “You know the old saying, Dirty hands, pure
heart. Or something like that. Thanks for the compliment.”
    Monette liked the way his full lips curved
more to the right, forming a dimple in one cheek. Jayson was not
classically handsome, but when he